Backyard Awards: Best Loved Lawn winner
Mark Elliott from Shirley in Christchurch has won the category of Best Loved Lawn for his lush green masterpiece. Congratulations, Mark!
We spoke with his about his process to keep his lawn beautiful and there may be some blades of advice for your own backyard.
Mark has a huge backyard so during Covid times, he decided to renovate the lawn and garden just for something to do. It’s turned into a passion.
His lawn is 100% rye grass - sourced from Prebble Seeds Turf World who supply many golf courses around New Zealand. In the summer he mows it every 2-3 days, sometimes daily, and waters the lawn with a deep soak of about an hour at a time, 2-3 times a week. He uses a granular slow release lawn fertiliser and other liquid fertilisers also.
Mark shares:
'I would say the secret to getting a good lawn is consistent mowing - at least twice a week. Maybe buy a bulk bag of slow release lawn fertiliser from a wholesaler. Keep the grass longer and just take the very top off the blade when you mow. It promotes growth, thickens it up and will really help with stopping weeds - oh, and water. Expect a water bill if you want a good lawn.'
The first photo below shows the 'Before' shot, 4 years ago. Give Mark a Like on this post if you think his lawn is pretty top notch!
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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17.5% Hmm, maybe?
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9.5% Yes!
10% Shop Sale + Malaysian Food Trucks
🎉 Wrap Up 2025 With Us! 🎉
Saturday and Sunday 13th & 14th Dec
Saturday and Sunday 20th & 21st Dec
Some of Auckland's finest Malaysian Street Food are available in East Tamaki. Invite your friends, neighours and family, like and share!
We’re ending the year with two 10% shop sales—and yes, food stalls will be onsite during both weekends to keep things fresh & delicious!
Enjoy 10% off everything in store, including yellow-ticket specials. Stock up while you wait for your meal and get ready for holiday road trips, shared lunches, family gatherings, and sunny park picnics.
Come hungry. Leave happy. Save big. 💛
Our line up of Asian food stalls include Sambal NZ Catering, Singapore Takeaway, Ailimteh, Pinoy Treasure, Seventh Sporks, Agak Agak Food, Yuan Taste, My Cafe and Shelley's Kitchen, Fine Touch Cuisine, Waikato Malaysian Society, etc. Not all food trucks are there everyday so be sure to follow our Facebook page for updates!
Address: E-PACS Supermart, 12 Nandina Ave, East Tamaki, Open 7 days, 9am to 5:30pm. E-PACS Also specialises in vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives.
Have you seen Rowena?
Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.
She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.
Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.
If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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